How the ASV Evolved from Vietnam to Ukraine

The saga of the M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) encapsulates the story of modern warfare and how it continually evolves. This vehicle’s journey from the drawing boards of Textron to the battlefields of the Middle East and now potentially to the contested terrains of Eastern Europe is emblematic of a broader narrative about military innovation, the horrors of asymmetrical warfare, and the geopolitical chess games of the 21st century. The M1117 ASV is a 4x4 wheeled armored vehicle that was designed to provide enhanced protection and firepower for the US Army Military Police Corps. It is based on the V-100 and V-150 Commando series of armored cars that were used in the Vietnam War. The M1117 ASV features a V-shaped hull to deflect blasts from mines and IEDs, a turret with a 40mm grenade launcher and a 0.50 caliber machine gun, and a modular armor system that can be upgraded as needed. The M1117 ASV has been deployed in various conflicts, such as Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Syria. It has also been donated to Ukraine by the US as part of its military aid to counter Russian aggression. The M1117 ASV represents a shift in military strategy from conventional to unconventional warfare, where armored reconnaissance, force protection, and international cooperation are essential.

Born out of necessity, the ASV’s ancestry harks back to the Vietnam War, where its predecessors served in a role that was as much about psychological assurance as physical security. However, by the late 1990s, the US military, gazing into a future where unconventional threats would loom large, sought to replace the venerable but vulnerable Humvee with something that could withstand the insidious menace of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) that had begun to characterize conflicts in which they were engaged. The Humvee, which first entered service in 1985, was developed during the Cold War and was not designed to resist IEDs or direct fire. The US military pursued several initiatives to replace it, both in the short and long term, such as the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles and the JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) program. The ASV, which was initially developed for the US military police, offered a more survivable and versatile alternative to the Humvee, with its composite armor, V-shaped hull, and fully enclosed turret. The ASV also had the advantage of being able to carry troops and equip them with offensive capabilities like grenade launchers or machine guns, while maintaining significant mobility and speed.

Textron’s M1117 ASV, then, was not just another military vehicle; it was a response to a changing landscape of warfare, where the enemy was no longer just another soldier in uniform but could be the very ground beneath a patrol’s feet. The introduction of MEXAS armor, a V-shaped hull for deflecting explosive forces, and a fully enclosed turret was not mere technological exhibition but a necessary evolution in the game of survival. The ability of the ASV to carry troops and equip them with offensive capabilities like grenade launchers or machine guns, all while maintaining significant mobility and speed, is a testament to the complex demands of modern combat where agility often trumps sheer force. The MEXAS armor is a composite armor system developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering, which consists of ceramic tiles and aramid backing. It can protect against 30 mm AP rounds, RPGs, and mines. The ASV has a crew of four and can transport up to three passengers. It has a Cummins 6CTA8.3 diesel engine that produces 260 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission. It can reach a maximum speed of 63 mph and a range of 440 miles.

The reception of the ASV by those who manned and rode in it is perhaps the most telling testament to its design and utility. Soldiers appreciated its enhanced visibility, which is vital for situational awareness in unpredictable combat zones. The fact that it significantly reduced casualties from IED attacks spoke volumes to its effectiveness and instantly made it a preferred means of transportation for officials navigating the treacherous terrains of Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a report by the U.S. Army, the ASV had a 94% operational readiness rate and a 38% lower casualty rate than the Humvee. The ASV also received positive feedback from Iraqi and Afghan security forces, who praised its firepower and protection.

However, the ASV is not just a product of the past but a vital asset for the future. Its continued use by the US military and adoption by other countries underlines its utility and adaptability. With Textron continuing to evolve the platform into the Commando family of vehicles, we see how defense innovation is a continual process, one that does not rest on past successes but looks to future challenges. The Commando family of vehicles includes three variants: Commando Select, Commando Elite, and Commando Vanguard, each offering different levels of protection, mobility, and firepower.

The recent donation of ASVs to Ukraine by the United States interjects this vehicle into a new theater of conflict, characterized by a well-equipped adversary in the form of Russian forces. Here, the Guardian will not just be a platform for warfare but a symbol of international alliances and the geopolitics that shape them. It stands as a commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and as a piece in the larger puzzle of NATO’s strategic posture in the region. The US has provided more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the war began, including humanitarian, financial, and military support. The ASVs are part of a $425 million security package that also includes Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The ASVs are expected to enhance the mobility and survivability of Ukrainian forces, as well as their ability to conduct armored reconnaissance and counterattack operations. The US hopes that the ASVs will deter further Russian aggression and help Ukraine regain control of its territory.

The M1117 Guardian ASV’s story is far from over. As it enters the Ukrainian theatre, it will not only face the test of Russian mines and weapons but also the scrutiny of military analysts and strategists worldwide. Its performance in this new environment will contribute to the ongoing discourse on the best ways to protect soldiers and civilians alike in an era where the nature of threats is ever-changing and increasingly unpredictable. The ASV will also serve as a symbol of the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security against Russian aggression. The U.S. has donated 250 refurbished ASVs to Ukraine. The ASV is expected to enhance the mobility and survivability of the Ukrainian forces in the Donbass region, where they face separatists backed by Russia.